Samsung

PureGear's line of funky retro cases is available for iPhone 5 and the Galaxy S4

After their latest collection of carrying cases for iPhone 5 and the new Samsung Galaxy S4, mobile accessories maker PureGear should really change its name to Pure Fun. Pure Cool or Pure Awesome would work too, since that pretty much describes their new line of retro game-inspired cases, arriving any day now at Pure Mobile.

Probably some of the coolest iPhone accessories or Galaxy S4 cases available, these carrying cases are modeled after old-school games, like the portable, pocket-sized plastic ball mazes most of us remember from childhood.

Puregear Amazing Gamer Case for Samsung Galaxy S4 in Red and Blue

Bright colors and funky design add to the retro effect of models like the Amazing Gamer Case and Groovy Gamer case. And all the models in this latest PureGear collection are available as either iPhone 5 cases or Galaxy S4 cases. It's a perfectly practical and sensible excuse for some 80s and 90s nostalgia.

PureGear Groovy Gamer Case for iPhone 5 in Blue and Green

Aside from protecting your phone from scratches, dirt and everyday wear, PureGear's Retro Gamer cases will transport you back to a simpler time, when the height of pocket gaming consisted of getting a little metal ball to go in the direction you want.

When we first posted about PureGear's Retro Gamer Cases on our Canadian blog back at the beginning of March, we said they were bound to be some of the coolest iPhone accessories of the year. And now that they're also making these cases for Galaxy S4, they're going to be some of the coolest accessories, period. And, now that they're starting to arrive at Pure Mobile, we feel pretty cool by association.

Got yourself a shiny new Galaxy S4? Or planning to get one soon? Lucky you, because Samsung's latest is the hottest phone on the market right now. And if you are among the select few who've already got the latest Galaxy phone, or even if you're just thinking about getting one, today's Mobile Accessory of the Week – the iLuv Bolster Galaxy S4 Case – is a must-have for the new mobile elite.

There's actually an impressively big new lineup of iLuv Galaxy S4 cases and covers being released at the moment, and most of them are pretty sweet. But the Bolster Case has something special that even iLuv classics like the Gelato and Gossamer don't have – it doubles as a stand.

iLuv Bolster Galaxy S4 Case in Black

With a folio-style design, the iLuv Bolster Case combines durable, hard-shell materials with a soft and flexible front cover. But here's the neat part: that front cover folds back to instantly become a stand for watching video or viewing pictures and websites. It's also got customizable viewing angles.

And just in case you're thinking that folios are a hassle to flip open every time you make a call, the Bolster actually lets you talk with the cover closed, so your phone can be protected all the time. That's pretty cool too.

iLuv Bolster Galaxy S4 Case

The overall look of this accessory is classy and sophisticated. Especially in black, it's got a professional, cosmopolitain vibe to it. Pair that with a clever built-in stand that adds no bulk whatsoever and the feature that lets you talk with the cover closed, and the iLuv Bolster Galaxy S4 case has got you covered, no question about it.

If you're anxiously awaiting the arrival not only of the Galaxy S4 but also of the slew of Samsung accessories that's bound to come along with it, you've got more in store for you than the typical lineup of carrying cases and skins.

A few days ago, Mobile Syrup reported on a leaked list of accessories for the device, which hint that the Samsung Galaxy S4 could, in fact, "be your 'life’s companion.'" That's because the list included all sorts of lifestyle products that go way beyond device protection, audio, storage, or usual range of mobile accessories.

Among these new Galaxy accessories are a number of health and fitness gadgets, designed to work with your phone as a sort of wellness system. These include a body scale that sends data to your phone via Bluetooth and Samsung's nes S-Health app.

That app is also at the heart of some of the other new Samsung accessories for the S4, like the S-Band bracelet. This wearable accessory works as a sleep pattern monitor and pedometer, and keeps track of calories burned.

And even when a typical accessory, like a Galaxy carrying Case, did show up in the list, it was a spin on the expected. With the S-View Cover, a windowed cover for the Galaxy S4's display, you egt a flip cover with auto wake-up function and a display window that gives you time, and battery notifications. It also lets you take or reject calls without opening the flip.

That's not to say there won't be tons of Samsung accessories out there for people who prefer their gadgets without all the bells and whistles; within weeks of its release, the Galaxy S4 should have carrying cases beyond count. But if you're looking for a phone that can be a lifestyle manager, the Galaxy S4's unique lineup of mobile accessories will probably make it the perfect fit.

Leaked screen shot of what is allegedly Samsung's answer to Apple's iWatch

With smear campaigns and even legal drama, Apple and Samsung have been at war for some time now. And with a new Samsung phone accessory in development, we know exactly where the next battle will be fought.

According to Bloomberg, the company is working on a smart watch that could rival the iWatch, a new Apple accessory that's also reportedly in development. And the potential for cut-throat competition between the two companies is already a hot topic, with the Wall Street Journal calling this their "next battleground" and 9to5Mac quipping "the smart watch race is on."

One of the alleged screen shots of Samsung's upcoming smart watch hints at features and a Galaxy name

Samsung has actually confirmed they're working on this fun gadget, but they haven't really revealed anything about it. Still, there's speculation that it may be marketed as part of Samsung's Galaxy line. "One would think that a product like this would fall under the Galaxy naming scheme and be called something like the “Galaxy Watch,” writes MobileSyrup.

Meanwhile, leaked screen shots obtained by Slashgear that puportedly show the device back that assumption up, with a view of the watch face displaying the name Samsung Galaxy Altius.

Even though we don't know much yet about the upcoming device, if we judge by existing smart watches, like the Pebble or Sony's SmartWatch, we can make a few assumptions.

Samsung's smart watch will most likely be a bluetooth-enabled accessory that allows you to view updates and notifications from your phone, and will probably also include features like an actual clock, a calendar and music player.

Beyond that, it's hard to say. But since the smart watch market is looking a lot like an arms race these days, it's likely that this next Samsung phone accessory surpasses the Samsung-compatible Sony SmartWatch in terms of features. In any case, it'll have to, if Samsung wants to stand a chance in its next bout with Apple.

In a head-to-head competition to find the best, we're starting a new feature on the Pure Mobile blog. In our accessories battles, we'll be pitting two similar accessories against one another and crowing a victor. This time, it's Samsung accessories in the ring, and two heavyweight Galaxy S3 carrying cases will be slugging it out

Both of our challengers this week are designed to be heavy-duty, ultra durable and protective Galaxy S3 phone cases. Built to take a fair amount of abuse, only one will emerge victorious. Let's get started!

Up first is a contender that hardly needs an introduction – the OtterBox Defender Case for Galaxy S3. But will it defend its title? Well, things are looking good, as this multilayered, well-engineered accessory is certainly a heavy-hitter.

OtterBox Defender Case for Samsung Galaxy S3 in Black

WIth three protective layers, including high-impact polycarbonate and durable, shock-resisting silicone, as well as a screen protector, the Defender will keep your phone safe from bumps, shocks, drops, dust and scratches. But it's unlikely you'll ever drop it anyhow, since it comes with a convenient holster to keep it in place.

That's a lot of protection in an all-around solid carrying case, so it's no surprise the Defender is one of the leading accessories of its kind for the Galaxy S3. And it's going to be a hard one to beat.

Now onto the challenger, the PureGear Dualtek Case for Galaxy S3. Like the OtterBox Defender, the Dualtek is designed to withstand rough abuse, witha durable, layered construction that combines strength, toughness and flex.

PureGear Dualtek Extreme Shock Case for Samsung Galaxy S3 in Black

Its 3M E.A.R. Corner Impact Protection controls shock by isolating vibrations, and its screen shield will keep your display safe from dings and scratches. This Galaxy S3 case is also quite slim and sleek, less bulky than the Defender, and provides superior grip that's comfortable in hand.

So who won?

As much as we like to root for the underdog, we'd have to give the champion's title to OtterBox in this case. Sometimes, the leader's just the leader for a reason, and though PureGear's Dulatek case provides a really great level of protection, the ultra-tough and durable thing is just OtterBox's forté. Well done, Defender case, well done!

We've been hearing rumblings and rumors about a new Galaxy phone from Samsung for months now. But nothing really solid has come of it, until now. Like right now. This morning, at Mobile World Congress, Samsung's mobile division chief J.K. Shin told Edaily that the SamsungGalaxy S4 will launch March 14.

Here's what he said:

"We introduced the Galaxy S3 in London last year, and this time we changed the venue (to New York)... as we were bombarded with requests from U.S. mobile carriers to unveil the Galaxy S4 in the country."

So it's official, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is coming in less than a month. However, Shin fell short of saying anything about its specs or design.

Still, at least we have the good old cell phone accessories industry to help us out in that department. Business Insider reported last week on some leaked pictures of what are supposedly Galaxy S4 carrying cases.

Leaked pics of Galaxy S4 cases may reveal what the latest Galaxy phone looks like before its big unveiling

If the pictures (and Mobile Fun, the site which first revealed them) can be trusted, the Galaxy S4 is shaping up to be a bigger than the Galaxy S3, with a 5 inch screen like that of the Galaxy Note.

Otherwise, notes SlashGear, "there’s the usual Samsung layout of a headphone jack up top, lock and volume keys on the side, and a charging/syncing port on the bottom, presumably microUSB. A hole for the microphone is alongside it."

Still, we can't totally rely on Mobile Fun, since, like the rest of us, they've yet to actually see the latest Galaxy in Samsung's lineup. But at least we won't have to wait too long, since the Galaxy S4's big reveal is less than a month away.

We're beginning to see a growing trend in mobile devices. These days, more so than ever, device makers are offering up gadgets that don't squarely fit the mould of phone, tablet or PC. Phablets are but one example, and the recent Samsung ATIV Smart PC is another. As a result, mobile accessories makers are having to think outside the box, with cases, skins and other accessories that are just as unique as the devices themselves.

In the case of Sasung's ATIV Smart PC, writes Slash Gear "you’ve got a tablet that’s not meant to be as thin or mobile, instead concentrating on the idea that you’re going to be working with a backpack or a large carrying case to get this unit around, noting that it’s a large tablet first, and mobile second."

And today's mobile accessory of the week gets that spot on. With q hybrid design that blends a plextonium inner hard shell and outer silicone skin, it offers the protection you'd expect from any good tablet case.

But since it's designed for a device that's not necessarily very portable, or not mobile in the strictest sense, it also boasts design features that address that fact. For instance, an integrated padded hand strap on the back of the case makes it easy to view content, or to simply move your ATIV Smart PC from room to room, the way you would an ordinary tablet.

So far, Incipio's Capture Rugged Case is one of the best examples we've seen of an accessory that's as unique as the gadget it's designed for. Without a doubt, Samsung will continue its foray into phablets, large tablets and other devices that blur the lines of product category. And we can only hope that Incipio will be right there to offer up carrying cases and accessories for these new breeds of phones and tablets.

Despite what the rumor mill would have you believe, the unveiling of the Galaxy S IV is not imminent. A couple of days ago, we reported that Samsung had released a teaser video, telling us to "get ready" because "the world awaits [...] something new" January 8 to 11, 2013.

Those are of course the dates for the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), a huge annual event for the consumer electronics industry, where, in the past, big players in mobile have unveiled new devices and accessories.

Needless to say, Samsung's promise of new and exciting developments started a whole whack load of speculation as to whether or not we might see the smartphone maker unveil a successor to the Galaxy S III – the Galaxy S IV.

Aside from the fact that the teaser video cited the dates of a major event where smartphone makers, including Samsung, have traditionally introduced their new hardware, we actually know that the company is preparing a new handset.

Along with their Android software upgrade, Galaxy S III users in Poland, India, the UK, France, Sweden, Italy, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Algeria have also been introduced to something Samsung is calling Premium Suite. The upgrade brings some of Samsung's newer features, designed for the more recent Galaxy Note II, to the Galaxy S III.

That includes features like screen splitting, which allows you to use different apps in separate windows at the same time. Meanwhile, other new features of the Premium Suite upgrade fall in to the "contextual awareness," category, says Slashgear.

The most notable among those is the predictive "Page Buddy" feature, designed to intuit the appropriate response to your actions, like "launching the music player when headphones are plugged in," says Slashgear.

Though the Premium Suite upgrade has so far only been released to Galaxy S III users outside of the North American Continent, there's no reason to assume it won't be heading to the U.S. at some point soon, even if you've already received your Jelly Bean update.

Oh, and as a bit of an aside, Premium Suite is hardly the last trick Samsung's got up its sleeve for the near future. Rather, the company has already been teasing in pictures and video, telling us to "get ready" as "something new" is coming in 2013.

Still from a Samsung teaser video promising "something new" in 2013

The general opinion is that Samsung will reveal their big surprise at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). But though the event has traditionally been a venue for new product launches, Mobile Syrup warns us not the get too excited over the possibility of a new Galaxy device, as "we probably won’t see the Galaxy S IV announced at CES."

Still, as you can imagine, the rumor mill is already turning, big-time.

Samsung's latest "phablet," the Galaxy Note II, is currently only available in Titanium Grey and Marble White

We get it. Smartphones are kind of like cars when it comes to color. Most people aren't going to rush out and get a hot pink or chartreuse model when they can stick with a basic hue like black or silver. And accordingly, smartphone makers tend to play it safe with new devices, usually releasing them in a pretty sober spectrum.

But, just like cars, sometimes we want our cellphones to be a little more distinct and it seems Samsung gets that. The company launched a new line of nature-inspired colors for their Galaxy S III phone back in August, and SamMobile reported today that they'll be doing the same with their latest "phablet," the Galaxy Note II. At the moment the device is only available in Titanium Grey and Marble White.

So far, the Galaxy Note II's new color variants are just a rumor. SamMobile cites an "insider" who says the new device will start rolling out in new hues like Amber Brown, Topaz Blue and Ruby Wine as early as this December or the beginning of 2013.

And while we've already seen the color Samsung calls Amber Brown in their newest Galaxy S III models, the other rumored color names don't match up to anything we've seen from Samsung yet.

In any case, if you've been thinking about getting a Galaxy Note II but haven't done so yet, it might be worthwhile to wait until after the holidays, unless of course you're into basic black and minimalist white.